Learning Support

Mrs Ginnie Davis - Head of Learning Support

Our Learning Support Department consists of specialist teachers with advanced skills in teaching children with specific learning difficulties, as well as a number of teaching assistants, who are trained to deliver specific interventions. Together, they provide extra help for our pupils. Should there be any concerns at any stage, from either teachers or parents, our SENCo may observe the child in class and give advice and support to his/her teachers and parents. At this stage, assessments may be carried out in order to screen for difficulties.

Children may be taught in small groups in or out of the classroom in both the Pre-Prep and Prep departments. The main focus of our support is usually in developing literacy skills but we also have a numeracy specialist who supports pupils.

Our department offers individual lessons, at an extra charge. These are taught in our centrally located suite of rooms that are fully equipped with multi-sensory teaching materials and resources. Our individual lessons are specific to each child. Achievable targets are set with the child who can then monitor his or her own progress. We aim for our pupils to reach their full potential across the curriculum and we work closely with all the staff to identify and remove any barriers to learning. We work in close partnership with parents who are encouraged to meet with us on a regular basis. We will recommend an external assessment and specialists, if appropriate, and incorporate their advice into our teaching.

We recognise that some of our pupils put in great effort to overcome their difficulties or weaknesses; they need encouragement and support at home and at school to do this. We are proud of the progress made by our pupils; we celebrate their strengths and achievements in the school.